PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The 47 fetuses discovered three years ago in a Philadelphia abortion clinic are part of an emotional dispute over whether foes of abortion can claim the remains for burial.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Sunday that an alliance of anti-abortion groups is pressing Philadelphia Medical Examiner Sam Gulino to give them the remains, now that Kermit Gosnell is in jail and his clinic is closed.

Gulino said his office does not release remains to unrelated third parties. He has assured Priests for Life, Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania, Christian Defense Coalition, and others that the remains will get a proper and respectful disposition.

Michael McMonagle, president of the Pro-Life Coalition, said the groups will pay for the burials and want to bring dignity to the deaths.